Sydney Black Trophy - 8/6/10

Winners - Woodside

HUNTERS HALL WERE left heartbroken after suffering defeat in the final of the London SFA Sydney Black Cup. An superb extra time winner saw Hall go down 2-1 to a strong Woodside team from Thurrock. Despite dominating the final and coming from a goal down, an inspired performance from Woodside keeper, Alfie Fairman, saw Hunters Hall having to settle for the runners up spot.

The day had started badly for the reigning Borough 7 & 11 aside champions, going down 2-1 to Henry Green. Hall quickly found themselves two behind, courtesy of a brace of long range Frankie Naidoo efforts. Hunters Hall then peppered the Green goal and even though they did manage to pull one back, they were left to rue their sluggish start.

Convincing

Hall did bounce back in their next game, however. A convincing 3-0 victory over John Perry booked their place in the semi finals. They were joined in the last four by Henry Green, who followed up their opening win with a goalless draw against Perry.

Meanwhile in the second group, Woodside and Richard Alibon made the best possible start. Both sides racked up 2-0 wins over Godwin and The Leys respectively. Alibon then booked their semi final spot with a hard fought 1-0 win over Woodside, whilst Godwin kept themselves in contention with a 3-1 defeat of The Leys.

Godwin and Alibon then shared the spoils with a 1-1 draw but
Woodside's comfortable 4-1 win over The Leys, saw the Thurrock side progress to complete the semi final line up.

In the first semi, Hunters Hall and Richard Alibon squared up and it was Hall who dominated from the first whistle. With Jesse Amoh in inspired form, Hall scored two well worked goals to earn the Alibon Road bragging rights.

Fiesty

The second semi between Henry Green and Woodside was a fiesty affair, with both sides giving their all. Normal time couldn't seperate the sides, with Fairman producing a number of good saves to keep his side in the competition. Both sides continued to press in extra time, desperate to avoid penalties and with time running out a free kick from Bayley Newell found it's way past the Henry Green keeper and that was enough to see Woodside through to the final.

Hunters Hall started the final brightly but were unable to find a way past Alfie. Woodside looked dangerous going forward and took the lead through a well taken strike by the dangerous Newell.

Hall continued to press forward and they were soon back on level terms when Charlie Pulham fired home to send the tie into extra time.

Fairman produced two outstanding saves to keep Hall at bay and, with the lottery of spot kicks looming large, Newell smashed home a free kick to send his side home with the silverware.